try this..
double click on the exe to run the game, but before it starts (you should see a little grey box with a "Press CTRL for setup" writing), press CTRL, and in setup window that pops up to you, try one of the emergency settings

If you have a 1.2.2.6 dll handy, you could try swapping it out and see if it helps?

I know when it's 1.2.2.6, diaries are black in fullscreen mode (at least for me). But when it's 1.2.2.7 then it works - so maybe it has the opposite effect on windowed mode. Probably not that simple but worth a shot.

If you have a 1.2.2.6 dll handy, you could try swapping it out and see if it helps?

I know when it's 1.2.2.6, diaries are black in fullscreen mode (at least for me). But when it's 1.2.2.7 then it works - so maybe it has the opposite effect on windowed mode. Probably not that simple but worth a shot.

I have finally revisited this issue and THANKS Jesse
Using v 1.2.2.6 dll does work for me when I run in windowed mode.
I copied it from "A Little Gift" that I had previously downloaded. (Just as an example.)

However, caveat emptor (let the buyer beware). My saved games do not work so I have to start over.